Insurance Killing Shocker: More Arrests Linked To Ex-SAPS Officer In R10m Murder Payout Scheme

Police have arrested additional suspects connected to former South African Police Service officer Rachel Kutumela in an alleged insurance-related murder plot.

Authorities confirmed that at least three people were taken into custody in Limpopo on Tuesday morning as part of a coordinated operation. Investigators expect more arrests to follow during the course of the day.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the arrests are part of a wider crackdown on a suspected murder-for-insurance payout scheme.

“Police will execute seven warrants of arrests in relation to a R10 million insurance murder for payout scheme today in Limpopo,” Mathe said.

“The arrests are linked to former police Sergeant Rachel Kutumela. All suspects are believed to have taken out life and funeral policies on 10 people who were later murdered. Three arrests have been made this morning. These include two brothers and a sangoma. More arrests are imminent.”

Kutumela has since been dismissed from the police service.

Family members remain behind bars facing multiple charges

Three of Kutumela’s relatives are already in custody following earlier arrests and the denial of bail.

They include her sister Anna Shokane (47), her brother Leshweng Johannes Shokane (53), and her daughter Florah Shokane (23).

The trio faces at least 30 charges, including nine counts of murder, money laundering, fraud, receiving proceeds from unlawful activities and defeating the ends of justice.

Prosecutors allege the group was involved in a series of killings linked to insurance policies taken out on victims.

Victims allegedly targeted for insurance payouts

Investigators say many of the victims were people known to Kutumela, often from vulnerable backgrounds.

Her alleged targets reportedly included individuals who were struggling financially, disabled or mentally challenged.

“She would take out life and funeral policies on their behalf, making herself the beneficiary,” said Mathe.

Authorities believe the former officer began the alleged killings around 2019 and may be linked to at least six insurance-related murders.

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“She is currently linked to about six insurance-related murders, and evidence shows she has pocketed at least R10 million.”

According to the State, victims allegedly linked to the case include Sydney Noko Montja, Joyce Tsela Malesa, Navel Kutumela, Maphari Ephraim Chosi, Jacob Petrus Seakamela and Phuthi Martin Mothata.

During court proceedings in November, Kutumela said she began taking out insurance policies on relatives after joining the police service, saying her decision was influenced by witnessing her mother struggle financially while she was growing up.